I-09 Senior Physicians Group Education Program and Caucus
Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Houston, Texas
Room: 330A, George R. Brown Convention Center
Volunteers in Medicine Program: Learn how Senior Physicians Play a Role in Helping the Uninsured
Faculty: Todd Sagin, MD, JD; Volunteers in Medicine Board of Directors
Although free clinics are not the only answer to the problem of the uninsured, the network of free clinics that exist today have come a long way to adapting to the needs of an ever changing patient population. The number of free clinics has grown to serve 4.5 million patients annually, by establishing ties in the community and fostering cooperation among safety net providers. The scope of primary care services offered to patients in free clinics includes the management of chronic illnesses and in some cases mental health and dental care.
Volunteers in Medicine is the only national non-profit organization dedicated to developing a network of free clinics to care for the uninsured. VIM clinics are staffed primarily by retired medical professionals, and are most successful when a local “champion” leads the clinic development process. Started in the mid 90’s by Dr. Jack McConnell, the organization has assisted over 75 communities in replicating the VIM model. Communities have learned that mobilizing physicians and other personnel to volunteer in free clinics is a win/win situation: the uninsured receive care often for the first time in their lives; physicians are able to practice their profession in a new environment; primary care patients are off-loaded from hospital ER’s; and in the process, communities experience enormous satisfaction in owning a “solution” to this escalating national problem.
Our speaker will outline Volunteer Medical Initiative and goals, in addition to presenting areas where seniors can benefit their services most. The VMI speaker will help participants understand how a VMI program is set up, including the genesis of the program, and how senior physicians can play a role in the clinic. Participants will be able to identify some of the underlying infrastructure that has helped serve the uninsured patient, the potential challenges in developing and/or volunteering in a free clinic in their communities, and what some of the obstacles are in doing so.
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of the 45 minute presentation, participants will to able to:
- Understand the impact free clinics have within communities by delivering care to the uninsured.
- Be familiar with elements of the VIM clinic model
- Appreciate the ongoing requirements to sustain a VIM clinic (community involvement, funding, volunteers)
- Understand the difference between a free clinic and a federally qualified health center (FQHC)
- Learn about current AMA resources on licensure and malpractice insurance for volunteers
Senior Physicians Group Caucus Planned Immediately Following Program (10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.) All are welcome to attend; please come and network with new colleagues and old friends.
